Back in 1985, the Paris-Dakar rally across Africa was at its high point. The
factories were investing like crazy in this trans-Sahara adventure, and their
marketing departments were exploiting the activity. In the forefront was Honda,
trying to repeat its 1982 victory by lining up impressively large works teams of
well-known riders.

It Looked like a Racer

It was against this background that the Honda XL 600 XLM was created. More than
ever, it played the card of total identification with the prestigious (though
luckless) racing machines, not only from the esthetic angle big 7.4 gallon (US)
tank, color scheme redolent of the works livery, twin headlamp � but also
technically with square-tube chassis and swing arm, tubeless tires and a
red-finished power unit benefiting from the lessons learned in competition.

Highly Specified

The 600 XLM was intended as a response to its best-selling competitor, the
Yamaha 600 Ténéré, which had appeared two years earlier. Influenced by the
unique appeal of its rival, the Honda offered an even more high-tech
specification, particularly its radial four-valve head and complex induction
system using two out-of-phase carburetors on conical intake tracts of different
diameters. The XLM topped its competitor with what seemed to be a decisive
advantage: an electric starter. Despite all its advantages, the XL 600 LM never
made the big time. It took a twin-cylinder bike before Honda could reap the
rewards of its African investment.